Departures:
07/07/2013
Ship(s):
Fram
Trip Highlights:
Encounter Greenlandic and Icelandic culture, fascinating communities, towering icebergs and stunning fjords and glaciers aboard a spacious exploration ship.
Save up to 25% per person (up to $3,399 off).
Summary: Join an expedition that encompasses the highlights of Disko Bay on a journey from Kangerlussuaq, Greenland to Reykjavik, Iceland. Greenland’s west coast offers fascinating exploration of the Inuit culture and the remarkable land that local residents inhabit. Accessible only by boat, these small settlements provide a glimpse into the very essence of Greenlandic culture. Cross the Denmark Strait and arrive at a fishing village called, “Iceland in a nutshell” because of its diverse landscape; lava and rock formations, glaciers and volcanic activity. Set against a spectacular natural landscape that is bathed in the light of the Midnight Sun, this expedition of “Glaciers and Ice” will truly be an unforgettable journey.
Join a charter flight in Copenhagen and fly to Kangerlussuaq, the main gateway to Greenland. The town is situated close to the majestic inland ice that covers more than 80% of Greenland.
Day 2: Qeqertarsuaq
Situated on the old volcanic island of Disko, Qeqertarsuaq is home to an Arctic research station that is part of a Copenhagen University study into flora and fauna. You can spend the time here strolling along the beach, enjoying the spectacle of towering icebergs that lie grounded on the shore, or you might like to join a highly recommended walking tour to Blæsedalen, a place rich in Arctic flora.
Day 3: Ilulissat
Ilulissat means iceberg in Greenlandic and this is a town that certainly lives up to its name. Sermeq Kujalleq is the most productive glacier in the northern hemisphere, feeding enormous icebergs into the Icefjord. Little wonder then that this stunning setting is on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Day 4: Sisimiut
Sisimiut is the second largest community in Greenland. Here you’ll find fishing trawlers, a shipyard and a busy fish processing factory. Make a visit to the arts and crafts workshop close to the pier. Here you may watch the local craftsmen create traditional jewelery and purchase local souvenirs.
Day 5: Nuuk
Nuuk is the capital and the oldest town in Greenland founded by the Norwegian missionary Hans Egede in 1728. Today old and new traditions meet here, from picturesque old buildings in ”Kolonihaven” to the modern building of the Greenland Home Rule.
Day 6: Ivittuut
Ivittuut is an old abandoned mining village, once a production center of cryolite. In summertime, however, some people return to inhabit the old houses by the sea.
Day 7: Narsaq / Qassiarksuk
Narsaq is located in a huge complex of fjords. The glaciers close by scatter icebergs into the waters which are rich in seals, salmon, trout and minke whales. Qassiarsuk is known for the nearby settlement of Brattalid which was home to Erik the Red, Greenland’s Viking founder in 982.
Day 8: Hvalsey / Qaqortoq
In Hvalsey some of the best preserved ruins from the Norse period are found including the former ‘Austurbygd’ which was abandoned in 1408. From here, continue to Qaqortoq, founded by the Norwegian trader Anders Olsen in 1775, and today home to 3,400 people.
Day 9: Prince Christian Sound
This 28-mile long channel-like sound is often full of icebergs and its impressive granite rock faces on each side create a spectacular transit.
Day 10: Denmark Strait
While crossing the Denmark Strait, take the reverse route of the great Norse settlers who left the shores of Iceland and Norway more than 900 years ago to travel to the “Green Land."
Day 11: Grundarfjörður, Iceland
Grundarfjörður is a fishing village on the Snæfellsnes peninsula. It is also often called “Iceland in a nutshell” because of the diversity of its landscape; lava and rock formations, glaciers and volcanic activity, as well as a wealth of bird life and picturesque scenery.
Day 12: Reykjavik, Iceland
The world’s northernmost capital, Reykjavik is an exciting, vibrant city surrounded by incredible scenery. Here is where your voyage ends.
Included:
Cabin accommodations; transfers as applicable; economy class flights between Copenhagen and Kangerlussuaq including current taxes and surcharges (Business class upgrade available for an additional cost. Please contact ExpeditionTrips for details.); suites include a selection of drinks with meals on board; coffee and tea; wind and water-resistant jacket; CD log.
Not Included:
International flights to/from expedition; travel insurance; luggage handling; passport and visa expenses; optional excursions and gratuities; fuel surcharge may apply.
Why does AntarcticConnection partner with ExpeditionTrips?
True experts with first-hand polar experience, the ExpeditionTrips staff has sailed on the ships they represent; with a combined amount of 100 Antarctic trips between them;and can help you thoroughly compare and contrast the expeditions.
Their approach to travel is highly personal and professional, offering unbiased travel assistance to ensure you choose the very best Antarctica trip to meet your needs!
ExpeditionTrips works only with the highest quality small ships-all under 200 passengers-ranging from a 48-passenger Russian research vessel to a 200-passenger luxury expedition ship.